The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Funds promised for Commonwealth Games

The federal government says it will contribute as least as much money for the 2018 Commonwealth Games as it did for the Melbourne Games in 2006.

Sports Minister Peter Dutton visited the Gold Coast on Thursday, taking tours of the host stadium for the 2018 Games and the worksite at the Southport Aquatic Centre.

While Mr Dutton refused to give a figure to Commonwealth support for the Gold Coast Games, he confirmed the amount will at least match the $100 million contributed to the Victorian capital seven years ago.

"We want to sit down again with the Queensland government and we've started that today, about the projects and the value attached to them," Mr Dutton told reporters.

"We'll make announcements in terms of the amount of money in due course as the discussions progress."

Queensland's Commonwealth Games minister Jann Stuckey confirmed the aquatic centre rebuild is on track for the venue to hold next year's Pan Pacific swimming championships.

Ms Stuckey said the winning tender to construct the Commonwealth Games village is expected to be announced early next year, at the same time the delayed Games master plan should be released.

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Gold Coast Commonwealth Games organising committee (GOLDOC) chairman Nigel Chamier said it's hoped when the master plan is released and full details are known of private sector commitment to the Games, a final costings plan can be released.

"We are exactly on time and on budget and I'm extremely confident the Games will be delivered very successfully in April 2018," Mr Chamier said.